North, South, East, West

A little bird is ready to fly off in this story from Margaret Wise Brown, author of such childhood classics as Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, but in what direction should she fly? Her wise mother doesn't give her the answer, so the bird tries all the cardinal directions, until finally she realizes that home is best.

A sweet story about exploring the world, before realizing that the home you left behind is where you're really meant to be, the text of North, South, East, West was taken from a previously unpublished story from this famous author - Brown died in 1952 - and was paired with simple, clean-looking illustrations from Greg Pizzoli. I can't say I had a terribly strong reaction to either text or artwork, but I would imagine show more that some readers will find in this book an engaging reassurance tale. For my part, I wish more information about the story itself - was it contained in Brown's papers? who found it, and decided to publish it? - was included in some sort of foreword. show less

A little bird asks his mother which direction is best, and discovers them all. I can't recall another picture book that features cardinal directions, and I think this is wonderful! Orienting is a skill that is sadly lacking in children and adults. North, South, East, West is only a beginning, but it's a start in the right direction!

Excerpt:
"But it was too hot there to build a nest,
so the little bird rested and then she headed West.
Over mountains and rivers and plains
to where the red sun sank into the sea."

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It's clear that Brown wasn't ready to publish this while she was still alive. If a reader brings a lot of their own perspective to the story, it can be read as a metaphor for Home is Best or for The Heart Knows Where to Go. But that's not clear from the text, or the art. Also, the art is not to my taste.

Library discard.

This was a sweet little book about a bird who asked her mama about where she needed to go to make her life. She talked about directions and the landscape and weather of the directions. I liked this book and would use it for children ages 5-8.

Calm and soothing tale ...